Abdul Razak Adam, CEO of Electrochem Ghana Limited, explaining a point during a media interaction

Electrochem Ghana CEO urges government to ban salt imports

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Oct - 08 - 2024 , 09:57

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Electrochem Ghana Limited, Abdul Razak Adam, has called on the government to ban salt imports to protect the local salt industry.

He argues that Ghanaian salt mining companies have the capacity to produce more than enough salt to meet national demand.

Speaking after a media tour of the company’s facilities, Mr Adam said Ghana’s annual salt consumption was approximately 750,000 metric tonnes, while Electrochem, Africa's largest salt concession, alone could produce up to two million metric tonnes per year.

He expressed concern that continuing to allow salt imports undermined the efforts of local producers who were capable of meeting national demand.

Government's support

Mr Adam emphasised the need for the government to support local industries, drawing parallels to Nigeria, where the government has implemented protective measures for local businesses, including a ban on rice and furniture imports.

"We should not be importing salt when we have it in abundance here," he said, revealing that Electrochem currently had over 30,000 metric tonnes of salt stockpiled while imports continued.

He urged the government to follow Nigeria’s example and completely ban salt imports, arguing that such a move would not only stabilise the economy but also boost local employment and income generation.

Mr Adam highlighted the quality of Electrochem's salt, which has a purity level of 99.9 per cent, surpassing that of imported salt due to the company’s meticulous production process.

He explained that their brine travels over 32 kilometers before reaching the crystalliser pans, allowing for the elimination of unwanted chemicals such as bromine and magnesium.

He also appealed to the government to provide the company with the needed security to enable them carry out their businesses.

He said due to insecurity in some parts of their concession, staff of the company are unable to easily venture into some places.

Mr Adam was of the view that considering the high prospects of the company, the government must be concerned about the security situation in the operative areas of the company.